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SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR
A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is surgically placed under your skin and will send mild electric currents to your spinal cord in order to effectively block pain signals from reaching your brain.
spinal cord stimulator trial
PREPARING FOR YOUR PROCEDURE
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
- Please bring a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- If you take medications for high blood pressure or any kind of heart condition, please take your medications as normal with a small sip of water.
- If you take aspirin or any blood thinning medication you will need to stop taking it for 2-7 days before your procedure. Discuss the risks involved with the physician who prescribes your blood thinner.
DURING THE TRIAL
For the spinal cord stimulator trial thin wires, referred to as leads, will be placed in your spine. The leads deliver low-energy electrical pulses that interrupt the pain signals traveling to your brain. The leads will be connected to a small external battery. During the week long trial, the battery will be worn outside of the body.
AFTER THE TRIAL
After the procedure, in the recovery room the temporary spinal cord stimulator will be programmed with your doctors guidance. You will be observed for a short time after the procedure, but will be able to go home the same day. This evaluation will give you an opportunity to see how the therapy can control your pain throughout the day while accomplishing different tasks. After a trial period of 5-7 days, you together with your provider will evaluate if a spinal cord stimulator is the right treatment option for you. If you decide it is, a referral will be placed for you to have the device implanted.
SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR IMPLANT
BEFORE SURGERY
Since the referral is sent from our office, you can expect the surgeons office to contact you directly. You will schedule a preop appointment with them, where they will address your situation and how to proceed from there. Your surgery date will be scheduled for a separate date from your preop appointment.
DURING THE SURGERY
During the surgery for the permanent implant, the generator is placed underneath the skin and the trial leads are replaced with stationary leads. Your surgeon will make one incision (typically along your lower abdomen or buttocks) to hold the generator. A fluoroscopy machine (a type of x-ray) is used to determine where the leads are placed. After it has all been placed the leads are connected to the generator.
AFTER SURGERY
After both the trial and permanent surgery, try to limit physical activity. This includes exercise or any work that involves twisting, stretching, or reaching overhead. These actions can cause your stimulator leads to move away from the treatment area. You can resume slow, gentle walks a few days after surgery, but take at least two days off to rest and recover. As noted, lifting heavy loads can dislodge the spinal cord stimulator implant leads. For at least the first two weeks do not lift any heavy objects.
